Old Ghosts
Happy Fish, 2024
8/10
The Atlanta resident Diane Coll returns with a sophomore album, where the darker tinted listen brings us 12 tracks that touch on many ideas across the folk spectrum.
The warm spirit of “Another Rhyme” starts the record with Coll’s rich voice amid cozy acoustic guitar, and “When You Fly” follows with a calmer pace of intimate songwriting that uses poetic singing with much impact.
Halfway through, “I Don’t Know” makes great use crisp drums for a bit of grit amid the talking and singing, while “This Heart” carries a soothing dreaminess that welcomes pretty acoustic guitar alongside Coll’s expressive pipes.
Residing near the end, “Back In The Fold” is quite mesmerizing with both scatting and eloquent storytelling that benefits from light drumming, and “Love, Pt. II” is indeed an introspective finish that tugs on the heartstrings with its powerful demeanor.
Coll takes a therapeutic approach to her song craft, where nods to ‘70s AM/FM radio and self-reflection are key, and it results in pieces that are nothing short of absorbing.
Travels well with: Amy Stroup- Since Frank; Natalie Price- Natalie Price